In their affliction they will earnestly seek Me (Hosea 5:15)

Losses and adversities are frequently the means by which Christ brings His sheep back to Himself; like fierce dogs, they worry the confused sheep back to the Shepherd. There’s no way to tame a well-fed lion; they must first be brought down from their great strength, and their stomachs must be empty, before they’ll submit to the master’s will.

When rich, some saints are arrogant and boast of their intelligence and skill. Like King Nebuchadnezzar, they say “look what I have built” (Daniel 4:30). After God humbled the king for seven years, he gave glory to God: “His dominion is an everlasting dominion … No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” (Daniel 4:34-35).

It’s a blessed sign of divine life when God humbles His saints. When the saint starts to recognize God’s hedge of protection is down, he begins to acknowledge his backslidings, and seeks the face of God (Job 1:10). Blessed are the waves that wash the mariner upon the rock of salvation! Losses in business are often sanctified for our soul's enriching. If the saint will not come to God when he’s rich, he’ll come when he’s stripped of wealth.

If God, can find no other way to get our attention, praise Him! Don’t faint when you’re rebuked, rather, recognize His purpose, and  go to Him and say, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,  and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants” (Luke 15:18-19). The angels in Heaven will rejoice, and God might throw you a party!